The storied Italian destination Sant Ambroeus unveils an ambitious three-part destination in Aspen; Alpine charm meets Milanese refinement
By Cultural Affairs Editors
In a town renowned for exclusivity and luxury, Sant Ambroeus has made a bold entrance. The restaurant group’s latest opening transforms a landmark 1889 silver-boom edifice into what may be Aspen’s most compelling cultural crossroads—where Milan’s aperitivo culture meets Alpine sophistication.
After debuting a coffee bar a year ago, Sant Ambroeus now expands its offerings with a full restaurant, bar, and outdoor dining space. The project, conceived by SA Hospitality Group and brought to life by Giampiero Tagliaferri Studio, reads like a love letter to both Italian and Alpine design sensibilities. The compound unfolds across three distinct spaces: a refined dining room, the intimate Il Baretto bar, and a courtyard.
“We opened our coffee bar about a year ago, and are so thrilled to be able to expand our offerings to the Aspen community,” said Federica Pauli, Director of Operations.
The architecture of the space tells a compelling story of both Milanese and Alpine influences. From vintage Italian furnishings paired with local Rocky Mountain materials to plush banquettes surrounding a historic fireplace, every detail is carefully curated. In Il Baretto, a striking green steel flue rises above a rustic stone hearth.
Corporate Chef Iacopo Falai’s menu mirrors this cultural fusion. His reimagining of Milanese classics incorporates the bounty of the Rocky Mountains—wild mushrooms enhance polenta, while Yukon Gold potatoes accompany a classic Ossobuco. Seafood is a standout with raw bar selections and dishes like Branzino All'Isolana and Scottish Salmon. Main courses like Ossobuco Alla Milanese and Baked Langoustine are complemented by sides of roasted Yukon Gold potatoes, and other dishes such as Polenta, Fegato e Funghi feature locally sourced wild mushrooms. The raw bar and fresh pasta offerings maintain Sant Ambroeus’ renowned standards, with dishes like Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe and Paccheri Rosa paying homage to the restaurant’s New York and Milan locations.
The beverage program at Il Baretto is another triumph. Here, Italian aperitivo culture is reinterpreted with an American twist through an innovative cocktail menu that balances tradition with modern refinement. The bar’s intimate wooden cabin, complementing the area’s Victorian architecture, wraps around a stone hearth topped by a green steel flue. Snow-dusted Main Street views add to the atmospheric experience.
As luxury expands into the world’s most compelling mountain destinations, Sant Ambroeus’ arrival in Aspen marks a welcome evolution. The elegance and intimacy of Milan meets the slopes, offering a quiet refuge in the Rockies. Here, the rituals of the evening are elevated—whether it’s a handcrafted Negroni or house-made pasta that balances the warmth of northern Italy with the comforting satisfaction of a day spent at altitude.
The venue is available for private events, with the stone-floored dining room accommodating up to 90 seated guests, Il Baretto seating 38, and the courtyard hosting 50. The entire compound can host up to 225 standing guests.
Sant Ambroeus Aspen is located at 201 E Main Street, Aspen, CO, and will be open daily, serving drinks and dinner from 5pm to 10pm. For more information, please visit santambroeus.com.
